Effectively, yes, "detox" is mostly a marketing term for what the industry calls "clarifying." The real difference lies between clarifying (build-up) and chelating (metals). If your water is hard or you swim, you want a chelating clarifier rather than a basic detox label.

Yes, but pick the right one. Olaplex No.4C and L'Oréal Metal Detox are formulated to clarify without stripping deposit, so they're safe on toned blondes, brunettes and fashion colours. Avoid harsh sulphate-heavy clarifiers in the first two weeks after a fresh colour service.

Once a week, minimum during regular pool sessions, and after every session if you're swimming daily. Chlorine and copper bind to the cuticle fast, especially on lightened hair, so a chelating wash like Metal Detox stops the green shift before it sets in.

A chelating clarifier fixes the symptom, dull, dry, orange-shifting hair, but won't fix the water itself. A weekly wash with Metal Detox or Olaplex No.4C strips the mineral film. A shower filter at the source plus a weekly chelating wash is the gold-standard combo.

You've stripped the cuticle's surface oils along with the build-up; that's the job. Always follow a clarifier with a hydrating mask or a rich conditioner from our Hair Conditioner hub on the same wash. If the dry feel persists, drop frequency to fortnightly and switch to a gentler formula like Olaplex No.4C.

Not directly. Clarifying shampoo removes product buildup and oil, which might help a little if your dandruff is caused by a greasy scalp. But true dandruff is usually caused by a yeast or skin condition, and you need a medicated anti-dandruff shampoo with ingredients like zinc pyrithione or ketoconazole to treat it properly. Clarifying shampoo can also be harsh and dry out your scalp, which may worsen flaking.